BALI VACATION • Travel tips for a green Bali round trip
Once a year I travel to faraway places to get to know new places, cultures and people and to get closer to them. Bali is at the top of my list of favourites when it comes to long distance travel. The free attitude to life, the warm and helpful nature of the Balinese and the religion of Hinduism, in the otherwise Islamic Indonesia, always inspire me anew.
We were in Bali for three weeks and returned to Germany with one of the last scheduled flights during the Corona pandemic. During our time in Bali we were able to get to know wonderful, environmentally friendly accommodations.
We met people who are committed to sustainability, nature and needy villagers. I would like to tell you about them and give you a few recommendations how you can experience a unique holiday, away from mass tourism and without a big budget. At this point I would like to say that a long distance trip should really be something special and rare if you do not want to harm the environment unnecessarily.
Dream island Bali
The Indonesian island enjoys a special position in every sense and is a popular holiday paradise for people from all over the world because of its green nature, year-round sunshine and the variety on offer.
From an ecological point of view, it makes sense to travel to Bali counter-cyclically and avoid the peak season.
Monkey Forest Ubud
Bebetin Bulelen, Balis Norden
By the way, also a reason why I would not recommend Kuta: Here the heat is extremely dammed up between heavy traffic and exhaust fumes! In the north it rains a little more, but the temperatures are very pleasant. Personally, I love the off-season and like to be there during the rainy season. For us Europeans the Balinese heat at 31 degrees in the midday sun can easily wear you down.
The rainy season, on the other hand, guarantees a feeling of purified and cooled air on the skin and in the lungs once a day. The interplay of bright sun and humid air means pure life for me.
Tukad Cepung Waterfall in Ubud
Bali facts
best time to visit bali
Bali's dry season lasts from May to October and is often recommended as the ideal travel season. The rainy season is from November to March, during this time there are more frequent and abundant rainfalls. In the south of Bali it usually rains for a shorter period of time, while in the north the rainy periods usually last a little longer.
The outside and water temperatures are constant all year round and a holiday on Bali is generally recommended at any time of year. Bali also belongs to the tropical climate zones and therefore benefits from high humidity.
Currency
When you travel to Bali, you pay with the currency Rupiah (IDR) or short Rp. At present, 1 Euro is equivalent to about 17,000 Rupiah.
Traffic
Bali time
Bali is within WITA, Indonesia Central Time Zone (UTC+08:00) WITA or Waktu Indonesia Tengah is 8 hours ahead of UTC, Coordinated Universal Time. Bali has only one Time Zone.
Language
In Bali, Balinese and Indonesian are spoken. English is also widely used due to tourism.
Religion
Over 90 % of the population professes to Hinduism. In Bali this religion is officially called Agama Hindu Dharma. Through new influences a new harmonious Bali- Hindu religion has developed.
In the Balinese religion faith plays an important role. The world consists of two parts: heaven and earth and sun and moon, but also day and night. It is important for the people from Bali that both parts are given equal attention.
Bali-Hinduism
In the religion of Bali-Hinduism, good and evil and the classification of gods as well as demons are given great attention. But also the contrast between sea and mountain is very important for the Balinese. The mountains are holy and gods and the spirits of the ancestors live there. The sea, however, is the habitat of evil spirits and demons.
The people of Bali firmly believe in the supernatural or subterranean and would like to appease these forces with sacrificial offerings. That is why there are many small baskets, woven from banana leaves and decorated with flowers, for example at road crossings or dangerous places. The offerings also often contain grains of rice, cigarettes, money, fruits and other food. With these gifts the demons are calmed and appeased. There are further offerings at the temple festivals in Bali. These are impressive ceremonies with many delicacies to the monks.
No-Gos
Balinese people are generally very polite, helpful and friendly people, and of course you should meet them just as politely. Disrespect and arrogance are not welcome. No-Gos are for example: putting your hands on your hips (too aggressive), pointing with your fingers (insult), greeting with your left hand (insult, that is the toilet hand), rebuking someone in front of other people (loss of face) or being too direct. Besides the people, you should also treat sanctuaries and temple figures with respect.
10 recommendations for a cheap Bali holiday
Rent a scooter
The scooter is the most used means of transport in Indonesia. With it, individual locomotion is easiest. As a traveller you feel independent and free. With good music in your ears, a beautiful landscape around you and a good friend behind you, Bali can be adventurously discovered.
The national driver's license must also be carried, as the international driver's license is invalid without the national driver's license.
Important to know: To be able to drive a scooter or car on Bali, you should have an international driving licence. You can drive with or without a national driving licence, but you have to pay a fine if you are caught by the police.
In addition there is a helmet obligation on Bali. If you ride without a helmet and the police stop you, you will also have to pay a fine.
Where do you rent a scooter in Indonesia?
The easiest way to organize scooter rental is through your accommodation. Most homestays or hotels rent scooters or get one through their circle of friends.
Jatiluwih
A GRAB around bali
A GRAB is the cheapest taxi option in Bali. You can control everything via the Taxi App, similar to the way we do with UBER. However, it can happen that the grave drivers speak or understand poor or no English at all.
negotiation
Prices in Bali are not fixed but negotiable, with the exception of upscale shops in the cities. So there should be negotiations. However, foreigners never get the same price as locals. Again, with politeness or a little knowledge of Indonesian you will have more success. The better and more creative you act, the more respect the salesman will have for you.
Learning Indonesian
Why you should learn Indonesian
Indonesians who work in the tourism industry usually speak good English. The further you move away from the tourist regions, the worse the English of the locals gets. In return you can expect original landscapes, a great nature and cheap food.
To bridge the language barrier, a few chunks of Indonesian and the use of feet and hands can't hurt:
The language skills give you advantages in Bali's island paradise. They open more doors for you than any recommendations and travel guides! And they conjure smiles on faces!
Good morning - Selamat Pagi
Good evening - Selamat Malam
Good Noon - Selamat Siang
Good afternoon - Selamat Sore
Hello, how are you? - Halo, apa kabar?
Good evening, how are you? - Selamat malam, apa kabar?
Thanks! - Terima kasih!
The traditional cuisine of Bali
The value for money of Bali's food is unbeatable, especially when it comes to traditional cuisine. The authentic street restaurants are the cheapest. In these so-called Warungs, ordered dishes are usually served on a banana leaf - in a sustainable way.
Food from Warungs
Warungs are very cheap restaurants, often simply small family-run food stalls. Here you can usually find fish, chicken, sate skewers, various vegetables, tempe, tofu, eggs and much more. With rice and sauces of course. Here, one partly gets a well spiced and tasty food for the equivalent of 1,50 euros. A warung is also very simply furnished, with tables, plastic chairs and a refrigerator.
On the one hand, billing is based on the quantity and on the other hand on the selection. You'll find warungs everywhere in Bali.
Culinary quick knowledge
Nasi = cooked rice
Bami = noodle
Goreng = roasted
Homestays Over Hotels
Bali is teeming with adventurous accommodations! One is more special than the other. No matter if tree houses, cliff shelters or bamboo cottages directly at the river - on Bali you will find everything! You do not have to book expensive hotels. It is worth looking for homestays via Airbnb. I present some special accommodations right here.
Homestays are common throughout Indonesia and are a popular cheap alternative to hotels. Homestay does not mean that you live with someone else at home. However, the owners usually live on the property next to your accommodation.
The nice thing about homestays is that there is a relaxed, caring and familiar atmosphere. Breakfast is usually freshly prepared for you by the family and if you have questions or problems, they will be happy to help you. You will find a selection of exceptional accommodations below.
Reasons for a homestay in Bali:
save money
Comfortable travel with meals
hang out with locals
Get to know other guests or travellers
Personal contact person on site
INDONESIAN SIM card
In order not to have to do without the Internet, it is worthwhile to get a SIM card in Bali. SIM cards can be purchased in numerous shops both directly at the airport and in larger cities. The cost of a SIM card is comparatively low. Depending on the provider, a SIM card with 5 GB data volume costs about 10 euros. The sellers also set up the SIM card directly, so there are no difficulties with it.
The SIM cards are valid for all of Indonesia. The largest mobile operators are Axis, Indosat, simPATI, Smartfren, Telkomsel and XL. Each of these providers has good network coverage in Bali.
best places in Bali: Ubud, Canggu and the north of Bali
Ubud
At least since Eat, Pray, Love with Julia Roberts, everyone in Bali knows Ubud as a cultural and artistic centre. Or rather the nearby rice terraces of Tegalalang, which were the backdrop for the filming.
In Ubud, art and culture await you in the midst of a fascinating landscape. The small town on Bali is no longer an insider tip, but because of the many interesting sights it is definitely worth a visit!
Canggu Beach
Canggu
Canggu is a coastal village with miles of beach on the south coast of Bali. It is located about 10 kilometers north of Kuta and offers a relaxed atmosphere with restaurants, cultural and beach activities.
The special thing about Canggu is above all a certain hipster atmosphere, with everything that goes with it and many charming features.
The trendy hotspot with small-town charm is in constant change. The Canggu Beach and the Canggu main road are popular with surfers, vegans and newcomers. There are many healthy restaurants and great shops.
The north of Bali
Bali's north offers breathtaking nature, magical waterfalls, wonderful peace and original Balinese villages. The mountains in the north leave out many Bali visitors, which is a pity, because here you find real wow moments and lonely places. Therefore, many people who do not speak a word of English live here.
Tamblingan Lake and Buyan Lake are another highlight in the north of Bali. The lakes originally belonged together, which is why they are also called the Twin Lakes.
Waterfalls in the north
Even the most spectacular waterfalls of Bali are hidden in the north! For example, the Air Sekumpul and only a few meters further enchants one of the Air Fuji.
Walks in the rice field
Rice as far as the eye can see - that's one way to describe the north of Bali. The rice terraces in the north are still a real secret tip. The Jatiluwih Rice Terraces are already well known, but there is much less tourism here than in Ubud.
The best organic restaurants and eco accommodations on the island
Bali is a paradise for those who are looking for a healthy lifestyle. From charming, airy veggie burger bars to colorful cafes serving RAW chocolate, this beautiful island offers a wide range of amazing vegetarian and organic cafes to explore. Your Bali travel plan must include a good meal, and we are here to help you with that.
These plant-based café-bars offer something for every taste and have become a popular novelty in food decoration and creative cuisine.
Beachgarden - Organic Kitchen Canggu
The Beachgarden is located directly in the main street of Canggu, not far from the beach. Here you can expect a great atmosphere with comfortable seating and large tables.
Delicious and healthy snacks, tasty dishes and great drinks are served. Here you can really find everything your heart desires and also a large selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes.
Photo credit @facebook
Smoothies and RAW foods are also on the menu at Beachgarden. During the day, it is also possible to work here with a laptop without any problems.
Sprout
At Sprout Café you get food based on a nutritionally conscious, holistic approach with a focus on fresh, healthy food, impeccable coffee and sustainability
Photo credit @vero_in_bali
With coffee, attention is paid to quality at every stage. Sprouts uses Empirical Coffee, which is sourced from local Indonesian and South American producers and roasted in Bali.
With nature in mind and in front of your eyes : Special Airbnbs on Bali
OMunity Bali
OMunity is a very special place that we have visited ourselves. Zanzan founded OMunity with the aim of creating sustainable housing that brings people together. Here you can immerse yourself in a world without plastics, dangerous chemicals and toxic fertilizers, where man and nature thrive in symbiosis. Zanzan and his family lovingly accommodate their guests and take them on a journey into Balinese culture.
The Hideout is a unique eco-accommodation located in the mountains of Gunung Agung volcano. Far away from city life, it functions as a perfect refuge for all adventurous travellers. The bamboo house is surrounded by beautiful nature and is situated on a riverbank between rice fields. The accommodation is one of the most sought after in the world at Airbnb.
This designer villa in loft style scores with a lush backdrop of tropical jungle and Balinese rice paddies. The villa is equipped with an in-house spa, a super-size kitchen and a magnificent open-air deck. The infinity pool is the icing on the cake of the accommodation.
Pure nature! The Zen Hideaway is located on the island of Sumbawa, a neighbouring island of Bali. It is a traditional teak house with rustic charm on two floors. The accommodation forms a smooth transition with the nature around it and is openly designed. It includes a huge living and dining area and a large open-air kitchen. Wi-Fi is still a must.
The Aura House is a beautiful eco-bamboo house built on the west bank of the Ayung River to the east to capture the sunrise. It is located 25 minutes from Ubud and 35 minutes from Canggu. It has two very romantic en suite bedrooms and a private swimming pool with views. The atmosphere of the Aura House is for nature lovers who like to listen to the sounds of wild life.
Bamboo, bamboo, bamboo! The Camaya Bali Suboya is surrounded by lush rice terraces and offers incredible views from the bedroom. The bamboo house is located at the edge of a valley with a view of the summit of Mount Agung in the distance. It offers the perfect basis for a real Bali adventure.
This bamboo cottage is a remote eco-retreat on a quiet footpath amidst rice fields. It is only a five-minute walk from Ubud. An open bedroom with mini-loft, the elegant bathroom and the outdoor living area make this accommodation a truly unique Bali experience.
Saranam Resort & Spa - being one with the north of bali
The Saranam Resort & Spa is a hidden jewel in the north of Bali, where peace and serenity blend together in its magnificent surroundings. We spent two nights at the Hilltop Villa and lacked for nothing.
Located in the mountainous region of Bedugul, this retreat in the mountains of Bali offers a variety of activities nearby, including hiking and golf. Saranam blends seamlessly into the surrounding tropical jungles, lush rice fields, natural springs and ancient Hindu temples.
There is also a yoga retreat and the villas are equipped with their own bathtub and terrace. The stylish wooden villas are located on the hilltop of the resort area. From the balcony of the villas we had a spectacular view of the rice fields and a fabulous view of the building. One looks directly at the infinity pool with its own bar and the green area.
Villa Hilltop ROOM DETAILS:
Room size : 72 square meters with king-size bed and panoramic view of mountains & rice fields
Price: from 1.900.000 IDR
Das Buffet im Saranam & Spa Resort
In the Saranam Restaurant you can order á la carte dishes. Breakfast is usually included in the booking price.
Eco tourism on Bali
Bali's fragile ecosystem is severely threatened by tourism, lack of governmental protection measures and a lack of ecological awareness.
Like many other visitors to Bali, we quickly saw the problems the island has to deal with:
Garbage everywhere at the roadsides, on the beach and in the sea
A flood of scooters and cars
Polluted water in ditches, which pours into the fields and rivers and ends up in the sea
What you can do as a traveler
Choosing sustainable accommodation and supporting people who finance environmentally friendly projects is a good start for an eco-holiday in Bali. But if you come to the island as a traveler, you can do even more to protect and support nature and its inhabitants:
1) participate in beach clean-ups
Especially during the rainy season a lot of garbage is washed up on Bali's beaches. Which is a clear reminder to deal more intensively with the topic of plastic avoidance and microplastics at home.
In order to relieve nature, there are always cleaning campaigns in which you can participate. Of course you can also simply organize your own beach clean-up. Inform yourself about possible Clean Ups in Bali. There are already regular Beach Clean Up events here.
Initiators for Clean-Ups are for example Trash Hero, OceanMimic and Bye Bye Plastic Bags.
2) Support environmental organisations
There are also many people in Bali who are committed to the environment and their living space. Here is a small selection of great projects:
green-books.org
This organisation starts with information and education and provides suitable teaching materials to sensitise children and young people to nature and environmental protection.
BaliLife Foundation
This small charity helps underprivileged people and children to escape from the slums to reach their full potential.
Die Ziele
Satisfying the basic needs of the unprivileged community - Hope
Teaching good morals and values. - Dignity
Training & teaching skills for the future. - Goals
R.O.L.E. Foundation
The R.O.L.E Foundation is committed to clean oceans that are free of waste.
The mission Encourage local authorities to integrate 'zero waste to ocean' waste management into their process, where waste is recycled or treated on site.
Grow children and local communities into "zero waste" believers and doers.
Promoting sustainable jobs and businesses that do not harm natural resources, such as organic cotton and natural dye weaving, permaculture agriculture and soap recycling
AIRBNB Entdeckungen: Die besten Touren auf Bali für kleines Geld
Yoga Synergy
Relaxing yoga sessions are a must during your Bali vacation! For enthusiasts, this yoga class offers both beginners and advanced students a guided opportunity to do so. The lessons leave a deep feeling of well-being. The class is designed to increase body awareness, flexibility, strength, balance, concentration and relaxation.
This Aribnb discovery will take you to the most beautiful sights on the east side, in the Ubud area. Here you can experience the beauty of Bali and capture it with photos. Your guide will also tell you about Balinese culture and history.
An individual Bali tour is a great way to discover the island on your own. You will be picked up and have your own driver, who will accompany you safely, drive to your favourite spots, take pictures and bring you back to your accommodation.
The hike to Gunung Batur is something for outdoor enthusiasts who like to be physically active. Here you will be rewarded with many impressions and breathtaking views. The view from the summit is a unique experience at 1717 meters above sea level. Afterwards hot springs invite you to rest. The discovery is rounded off with a visit to a coffee plantation.
PS: Azul Beach Club Bali
THE FIRST TIKI-BAR IN BALI
The Azul Beach Club is a two-storey Tiki Bar with a Jacuzzi, an outdoor pool and excellent cocktails. The Tiki style is reflected in cocktail cups and the Beach Club's design. This makes the atmosphere tropical and cosy, but also chic! People come here for snapshots, to work on their laptops or simply to eat and have a good drink. We often spent whole days here, eating delicious food and working on a lounger by the pool.